Uttar Pradesh News: Birthday Wishes Pour In For CM Yogi Adityanath; PM Modi Praises 'Tireless Efforts' As UP Ranks 35th In NITI Aayog SDG Index

Lucknow: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath received effusive birthday wishes from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior BJP leaders, even as official data highlights a growing disconnect between political praise and developmental outcomes in Uttar Pradesh.

The PM commended the CM's "tireless work improving lives," yet NITI Aayog's 2024 report ranks UP 35th among states in education and health indicators. The celebratory social media trends, including hashtags like #HinduHridaySamrat and #MostPopularCM, obscured unresolved crises across the state.

Infrastructure delays persist, with the 340 km Purvanchal Expressway inaugurated prematurely in 2022 still facing 40% incomplete ancillary work, exacerbating flood risks for nearby villages. Employment claims of "25 lakh jobs created" contradict CMIE data showing UP accounts for 28% of India's unemployed graduates.

Healthcare remains critically understaffed, with 46% vacancies for doctors in state-run hospitals, pushing 72% of rural patients toward costly private care (NHFS-6).

Opposition leaders offered terse wishes, with BSP chief Mayawati's message notably omitting any praise for governance. The CM's reciprocal note to PM Modi vowed "energy for transformation," even as 57 UP districts await drought relief funds.

Opposition leaders cautiously extended wishes, with BSP chief Mayawati's terse X post notably avoiding any development praise. The CM's reciprocal message to PM Modi emphasized "energy for transformation," even as 57 UP districts remain drought-affected with delayed relief funds.